In Florida we have hurricane evacuation route signs everywhere. Here they have tsunami evacuation route signs everywhere. As I lie in bed listening to the waves crashing so close by I couldn't help think about a tsunami rolling in while we slept. There is no high ground to evacuate too. Would they sound an alarm? I figured I had better just get to sleep. At least if I am sleeping and the tsunami comes, I won't be aware of it.
The morning was bright and sunny. This is an unusual day for these parts. It is the warmest day we have had since leaving central California. We both put on shorts for the first time in a long time.
We studied the map over breakfast. We had been told that the drive across Rt 20 in northern Washington was beautiful. Rt. 20 cuts through the North Cascade National Park. It is a very remote area.
We decided to head for there. First, however, we had to catch up on our laundry and connect to the internet to let everyone know we are ok. We will be out of contact for a few days when we get up in that area. We don't want anyone to be worrying about us. Besides, I carry a large can of hornet spray to ward off bears, crazed elk and would be assassins.
We chose a route that would take us to a full service commercial RV park. They are a necessary evil on occassion. We found the Elma RV Park in Elma, Washington along Rt. 12. They have a laundry and wifi internet.
The park is packed with a group traveling together as a tour. We have come across a couple of groups like this. It is a nice way to travel around while getting to know the people you are with. It looks like a better deal than sitting on your butt some place out of the snow for three months. If I was to do this again, I might consider something like that.
On the way up here, Darlie finally got to see some elk in a place where she could get a picture of them.
These are a little grainy cause she had to zoom in quite a bit.
Our route today took us up along the tidal plains of western Washington. Oyster harvesting is a large industry in this area. We passed several very large oyster packing houses. We have bought oysters at home that were shipped from South Bend, Washington. We had to stop and buy some fresh oysters for dinner. Darlie will deep fry them tonight.
We also passed through spotted owl country. This is the area where logging companies practice clear cutting. I must admit, it does destroy the natural beauty of the area. Many mountains are completely void of trees. Stacks of rotting stumps, brush and logs litter the ground. The good news is, however, they replant the barren areas. Little seedlings could be seen sprouting in rows through the desolation.
There was timber in various stages of growth. Some areas have been planted and harvested three times or more. We didn't see any spotted owls.
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